This Blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Some posters are court ordered to have no contact of any kind with the person having a Restraining Order against them. Meaning no third party contact as well. If you by chance know a person one of our posters/authors is discussing to share their experiences with others, we ask you to respect our rights to free speech, under the United States Constitution. Restraining Order Blog is not meant to harass, directly or indirectly contact, harm, intimidate, bring any emotional distress, stalk or cyberstalk, nor intentionally slander or damage any individual in any way. Nor is it intended to initiate any third party contact on behalf of any poster or author, or violate a current restraining order in any way either. If you feel there is anything here that is slanderous, untrue, or illegal, please bring it to our attention. We will examine your request promptly, and any post you find offensive will be reviewed for removal in a timely manner. If you have a story to share, email me at ka7niq@yahoo.com, and I will add you as an author on Restraining Order Blog.

11/12/2009

How a Tampa Restraining Order Can Affect Your Divorce and Your Future

How a Tampa Florida Restraining Order Can Affect Your Divorce and Your Future

Author: Howard Iken
A typical day in Tampa Florida courts: A couple is at the end of their rope and starts to consider divorce. Both spouses begin to think about things they never bothered with before. How can I get the house to myself? How can I make sure I win custody of the children? After seeking advice from friends, lawyers, and Internet sources, they quickly realize how to score an early win: by filing a Tampa Domestic Violence Injunction, known by most people as a Restraining Order.

The next few steps happen quickly and can have a devastating affect on the intended target. In Tampa Florida it is fast and free to file a restraining order (domestic violence injunction). All it takes is a trip to the Tampa courthouse, completion of a quick and easy form, and one hour later a judge may decide to sign what is officially known as an order of protection against domestic violence. Within 48 hours, a sheriff is dispatched to serve the restraining order on the respondent. At this point it is critical to look for a Tampa domestic violence attorney.

Right after the injunction paperwork is served a series of events begins to unfold. Most important: it now becomes a criminal offense in Tampa to approach, call, or communicate in any way with your spouse. If you are served with this order, you must immediately move out of the marital home. The emphasis is on the word "immediately." You have time to take your toothbrush, underwear, some clothing, and medications. Everything else you own is now in the forbidden zone, illegal to remove or touch until further word from a judge.

If you have children, chances are the restraining order grants temporary custody to the spouse that filed the petition. In this case, temporary custody means sole custody of the children. Until a Tampa judge decides the issue you won't have any contact with your children. You may be ordered to pay child support and/or alimony.

The effect of the Tampa Restraining Order can have a devastating effect on your entire life. If you communicate with your spouse, your children, or come too close to your house there is a chance the police will arrest you and file criminal charges against you for violating the injunction. On top of this the hillsborough county state attorneys office may decide to file criminal domestic violence charges against you. Within 2 weeks of the initial restraining order (domestic violence injunction), a Tampa judge will hold a hearing to decide whether the order is permanent or temporary.

After the events unfold, it will be time to consider the effect on your upcoming divorce. The black and white truth: a restraining order in Tampa can eliminate your chances at ever gaining custody of your children. Alimony that is ordered within an injunction hearing may become an order within the divorce. If you end up with a criminal record it can severely alter your prospects no matter what is at issue in the divorce.

The moral of the story: a Tampa restraining order (domestic violence injunction) is not a do it yourself case. Your rights to your children, your property, and your freedom may be changed for the rest of your life. Get the best help in Tampa you can afford. Your future may depend on it.